Search for Jobs & Internships

While the phrase “dress to impress” is certainly important in the search for premium entry level jobs and paid internships following college graduation, you may have encountered an unexpected situation at many interviews – you’re way overdressed. If you spent the night ironing and perfecting your best suit, only to find your interviewer wearing khakis and a polo, you might be wondering how you should dress on your first day of work after accepting the job offer. Here are some tips to get started.

Recon

If you’re worried about showing up in clothing that’s overly-formal, consider heading down to your future place of employment a day or two early to scout how the employees are dressed on an average day. Hang out near the entrance around midday and see what types of clothing the employees are wearing as they head out for their lunch break.

Ask

While it might seem strange, there’s no shame in asking your interviewer what the company’s recommended dress policy is before arriving on your first day. You don’t have to phrase the question as “What should I wear?” but ask about appropriate attire so you can dress accordingly.

Overdress anyway

As you want to make a good first impression at the start of your professional career, don’t be afraid to show up in a nice suit and tie on your first day, even if everyone else is dressed more casually. While you’ll certainly stand out, it will be in a way that shows you’re serious about your role at the company and looking to impress. In a day or two, you can adjust your apparel to match the rest of your coworkers.